March 28, 2024

Nature in Summer: So Much to Discover!

August 2022 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Posted

(June 29, 2022) – Learn to identify wildflowers in the meadow and forest, search for local mushrooms on the damp forest floor, enjoy an evening twilight hike, or bring the kids for a pond exploration. Audubon keeps you engaged and connected with the great outdoors in August!

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. To view a listing of programs and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Audubon Lecture: Cavity Nesters and How to Attract Them
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 3, 2022; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
From the cheery woodpecker to the invaluable honeybee, there are countless animals that take advantage of natural cavities in trees. Come learn about many of our native cavity-nesters and find out what YOU can do to encourage these wild creatures. Nesting boxes and plans will be on hand to examine for those who may wish to construct their own.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Butterfly Count on Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
August 4, 2022; 1:30 – 6:30 pm
Spend the afternoon on Prudence Island identifying and counting as many butterfly species as possible in an effort to track populations and abundance on the Island. This is a great way to see Prudence Island as well as the diversity of habitats, flora, and fauna present. Bring snacks/drinks for the afternoon, insect repellent, sunblock and comfortable walking shoes. We'll have insect nets, binoculars, and butterfly identification charts available.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Free. Ages: 8 and up. For more information on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/claendar

Bats and Beer
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
August 5, 2022; 7:30-9:00 pm
Join Audubon for an evening of outdoor exploration and local brews! Start with a brief presentation and learn about the bat species that live in the area while you sample some beer. Then head out onto the trails in search of these winged creatures. Stop at the pond to watch resident bats at work catching their evening meal and look for the family of beavers busy at work. Please bring a flashlight.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Summer Evening at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 11, 2022; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Bring a lawn chair and blanket, make s’mores, play lawn games, and enjoy summer refreshments. Stay to watch the stars come out during this relaxing summer evening at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Summer Blooms Walk
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 13, 2022; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Audubon for walk through the meadows, forest, and hilltop habitats of Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in search of summer wildflowers. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Optional: bring your favorite plant field guide.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 13, 2022; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens Bank, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register!
Citizens Free Family Fun Day: Explore the Shore!
10:00am -3:00 pm: Nature Craft Table
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am & 2:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: Shore Exploration - Join an Audubon naturalist for a walk down to Narragansett Bay to explore this unique habitat and the creatures that live there.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI. Free. Ages: All.

Flying Foragers
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 18, 2022; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Take an early evening walk and look for birds that hunt in the sky: swallows and swifts. If you are lucky, bats or even owls might be spotted. This is a wonderful program for families. Bring a flashlight and bug spray.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Saturday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 20, 2022; 8:30 – 9:30 am
Register for Saturday morning bird walks on the grounds of the Audubon Nature Center in Bristol with Tom Younkin, avid birder and Founder/Creator of Kingbirder, an on-line contest for birders and bird photographers. Many species can be found in the gardens, fields, and wetlands of this beautiful wildlife refuge. Walks will follow the Nature Center trails, boardwalk and East Bay Bike Path for easy accessibility. Advance registration required. Walks are weather dependent.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Wild Mushroom Workshop: Taking the Mystery Out of Mushrooming
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 20, 2022; 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join Audubon for an introduction to mushrooms and fungus! Learn how to identify mushroom groups and species that grow in the area. Start with a presentation on mushroom identification and view wild mushrooms that were collected from other areas, depending on availability. Then venture out for a hike in the woods with an expert guide to find mushrooms growing in the wild. Afterwards, sample a couple of tasty mushroom dishes using a variety of cultivated 'wild' mushrooms. Please note: Collecting mushrooms on Audubon properties is prohibited. Wear closed-toe shoes, socks and long pants and dress for the weather.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; August 20, 2022; 10:00 am-1:00 pm; Fee: $30/member; $40/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

White Barn Story Time: Pond
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 20, 2022; 10:00-11:00 am
Come listen to “A Small, Small Pond” by Denise Fleming, about life that can found in a pond. Then walk to the Caratunk pond where we’ll dip a net in the water to see what we can find. This program is for families with young children. Be prepared to get dirty and muddy. Wear old shoes or boots and protective clothing, bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 20, 2022; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Come design and create a beautiful pendant with sea glass found on local beaches. Learn how to choose the right piece of glass and transform it using quick and easy wire wrapping techniques. The program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! This class fills quickly so don’t wait! Advance registration is required as space is strictly limited to 10 participants.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Herbal Walk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 21, 2022; 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Join Audubon naturalist and herbalist Tina Lidano on a relaxing summer herbal walk and learn to identify plants and their medicinal and ecological benefits.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Night Singers
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 22, 2022; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Come take a walk through the forest and field and listen for crickets, grasshoppers, and katydids. Enjoy the beautiful and relaxing sounds of a summer evening and learn about the insects creating these harmonies. Dress for a cool night and bring a flashlight.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Bird Banding at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 24, 2022; 9:15 – 11:15 am
Join Audubon and witness bird banding, where experts capture, band, measure, and release songbirds in order to record their movements. Birds will be gently removed from tall “mist nets” set in the shrubby habitats on the grounds of the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. The techniques of identifying, measuring, weighing, and banding the birds will be demonstrated before they are released. The migratory habits and life history of each captured species will be discussed.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member, $7/non-member child. Ages: 6 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Guided Nature Walk with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 25, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00 am
Join an Audubon naturalist for a guided walk on the wildlife refuge trails. Learn about native plants, look for wildlife, explore the different habitats and learn what animals call them home. In the summer visitors might see Osprey, Wild Turkeys, turtles, butterflies and other wildlife. No registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; August 25, 2022; 10:00-11:00 am; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Let's Take a Walk: Snails
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 27, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00 am
Meet a cute and determined snail in the children's story “Escargot”, by Dashka Slater, as he adventures up a picnic table for a delicious salad! After the story, take look at different kinds of snail shells and walk in the field or forest to look for snails. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and bug spray. This is a program for families with young children.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5 member adult, child pair; $7/non-member adult, child pair; $5/each additional member; $7/each additional non-member. Ages: 3 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Bird Banding at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 27, 2022; 9:15 – 11:15 am
Join Audubon for a bird banding demonstration in which experts capture, band, measure, and release songbirds in order to gather data on their movements. Birds will be gently removed from tall “mist nets” set in Audubon’s shrubby habitats. The techniques of identifying, measuring, weighing, and banding the birds will be demonstrated before they are released. The migratory habits and life history of each captured species will be discussed.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 6 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

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